The word "become worn" is spelled as /bɪˈkʌm wɔːrn/. The first syllable of "become" is pronounced with a short "i" sound like in "sit" followed by a stressed "uh" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with an "aw" sound as in "saw". The word "worn" is pronounced with a silent "e" followed by an "or" sound like in "door" and a nasalized "n" sound. Together, the two words mean to go through the process of becoming old or damaged due to use.
The phrase "become worn" refers to the natural deterioration or damage that occurs over time due to regular use or exposure. It describes the process of something gradually losing its original quality, condition, or appearance through repetitive usage or external factors.
When an object, such as clothing, shoes, or household items, becomes worn, it implies that it has experienced visible signs of wear and tear. This can manifest in various ways, including fraying, fading, thinning, disintegration, or the formation of holes. For instance, a pair of heavily used shoes may become worn, as the soles wear down and the fabric or leather becomes scuffed and torn.
The phrase can also be used to describe the transformation of natural materials, such as wood or stone, as they are exposed to the elements. In this context, becoming worn entails the erosion, fading, or weathering of the material's original texture, color, or surface due to prolonged exposure to sun, rain, wind, or other external factors.
Additionally, "become worn" can extend beyond physical objects to describe the tiredness, fatigue, or depletion of energy or resources in living organisms. It suggests that someone or something has exhausted their strength, vitality, or abilities due to prolonged effort or age.
Overall, "become worn" signifies the gradual decline or alteration of an item, material, or living entity as a result of regular usage, external factors, or the passage of time.
The phrase "become worn" is not a word in and of itself, but rather a combination of two words: become and worn.
1. Become: The verb "become" comes from the Middle English word "becumen", which is derived from the Old English word "becuman". "Becuman" is a combination of the prefix "be-" (meaning "about" or "to") and the verb "cuman" (meaning "come"). Over time, the word evolved from "becumen" to "become" in Middle English, and it has remained relatively unchanged since then.
2. Worn: The adjective "worn" is derived from the past participle of the verb "wear". The verb "wear" originated from the Old English word "werian", meaning "to carry, carry about, or have on the person".